Hélène Bertaux (after) Bust Of Psyche In Terracotta.

Hélène Bertaux (after) Bust of Psyche in terracotta. Terracotta sculpture dating from the second half of the 19th century, representing Psyche, she was the goddess of the soul in Greek and Roman mythology, born mortal, her beauty rivaled that of Aphrodite and aroused the love of Aphrodite's son, Eros, god of desire. After having accomplished a series of seemingly impossible tasks to be with Eros, Psyche obtained immortality and became a goddess Psyche is represented with her face turned, her gaze fixed over her shoulder. She is wearing an open helmet that forms like small wings. The terracotta is nicely patinated, it is signed "Mrs. Léon Bertaux" for Hélène Bertaux, the sculpture rests on a blackened turned wooden base. "Hélène Bertaux, better known as Madame Léon Bertaux, French sculptor, born July 4, 1825 Paris. Daughter of the sculptor Pierre Hébert, Hélène Bertaux was trained by Pierre Hébert and Auguste Dumont. From 1854, she signed her works with the name "Madame Léon Bertaux", the name of her new companion whom she would not marry until 1866. Having won several medals at the Salon, she was declared out of competition in 1873. She founded the Union of Women Painters and Sculptors in 1881. At the Universal Exhibition of 1889, she was the first sculptor to receive a gold medal. She called for the admission of women artists to the Ecole nationale des Beaux-arts and to the Prix de Rome competition. Hélène Bertaux died on April 20, 1906 in Saint Michel de Chavaignes (Sarthes) » sources: paris1900.lartnouveau.com Dimensions: Height 60cm Width 28cm